Facts
| Terrain: | Road |
|---|---|
| Arch support: | Neutral |
| Use: | Jogging |
| Weight: | Men: 309g | Women: 269g |
| Heel to toe drop: | Men: 10mm | Women: 10mm |
| Pronation: | Neutral Pronation |
| Arch type: | High arch |
| Features: | Slip-on |
| Strike Pattern: | Heel strike |
| Distance: | Daily running | Long distance | Marathon |
| Heel height: | Men: 29mm | Women: 29mm |
| Forefoot height: | Men: 19mm | Women: 1mm |
| Release date: | Feb 2019 |
| Brand: | Adidas |
| Type: | Heavy | Big guy |
| Width: | Men: Normal | Women: Normal |
| Price: | €230 |
| Colorways: | Black, Pink, Grey, White, Blue, Brown, Green, Red, Beige, Purple |
| Special editions: | 1 special editions |
Rankings
Expert Reviews
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84 / 100 based on 3 expert reviews
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Ultraboost Reboosted?
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The revolutionary Ultraboost gets "reboosted" in 2019. The original Ultraboost was so good that I have 2 of them; the 3.0 for long runs and the 4.0 for walking.
Standing for long hours became bearable. So when Adidas redesigned it—dubbed the 19—with 20% more boost, I just had to try them on!
Redesigned from Ultraboost 4.0, it has four major changes. It has 20% more midsole boost, new torsion spring plate, Primeknit 360 upper, and 3D printed heel frame.
The Primeknit 360 is certainly an upgrade from the Primeknit—snuggier yet able to stretch more. Meanwhile, the new heel frame locked the heel better than previous but just slightly.
The 20% more boost paired with new torsion spring plate is the appeal factor for me. This combination somehow mirrors Nike's Zoom Fly carbon plate combined with React Foam, which for me, is the closest thing to Boost foam.
Dry run - short tempo
Although Zoom Fly—being a race shoe—is a totally different beast than Ultraboost, they have a similar formula with knit upper: super-soft midsole foam with spring/plate infuse in between.
They have significant weight different too. Zoom Fly weighs 250g while Ultraboost 19 weighs 312g for both an 8 UK size.
To get a feel on how the torsion spring and extra boost fare on high speed, I did a short 5km tempo run. With this, I was able to do a 4:53 min/km pace on my usual 5km route.
Being a heavier shoe, a harder effort was needed to maintain that pace. There was 14% of the total running time of 24:29 were spent in heart rate Zone 4.
Honestly, I didn't feel significant propulsion from the torsion spring. That spring makes the shoe feel stiff, losing that unique softness identity of the original boost.
It can be concluded that it is not a fast shoe. If you want a faster shoe, get Adidas Adios 4, instead.
Dry run - long slow run
This is what Ultraboost is for, at least for me. I did solo Shah Alam LSD at half marathon distance. The beauty of Shah Alam is that it has many long fast corners, short hills, long hills at various inclination—great to test out shoes.
I did similar route a month ago with Ultraboost 3.0, nailed it—a solid sub 2 hour with a fast, strong finish with zero stops.
So, how did the 19 fare? It was the opposite of 3.0, to my surprise. The shoe was hard due to the torsion spring and was not comfortable for a long run!
I didn't feel the responsiveness from the spring and the energy return on the extra boost. It was a hard effort just to stay at 5:46 pace and resorted to multiple stops times just to get the HR down.
I guess as in any plate/spring technology, you need bigger force exertion to gain the intended propulsion. But being a specialized shoe for a lazy, slow run, it beats the purpose as it is heavier to pounce unnecessary energy utilization.
In conclusion, the 19 doesn't get the balance just right for me. It wanted to be more responsive, but it defies its identity.
Maybe it's just my physique. I'm guessing this shoe would perfectly suit a larger, stronger person. It has rave reviews everywhere, but just not from me.
This expert has been verified by RunRepeat. Reviews are neutral, unbiased and based on extensive testing.
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So far, from what I've felt, the Ultra Boost 19 seems like a pretty good neutral running sneaker.
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The redesigned UltraBoost is a better shoe than its predecessor, with a more secure upper and a firmer, bouncier ride, even if I’m not a fan of the new style.
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- The 2019 iteration of the Adidas Ultraboost is a road shoe that’s designed for those who have neutral pronation. It is an update to a highly revered product, the Ultraboost. The original model has been touted to be one of the defining aspects of Adidas’ popularity as a producer of quality running shoes. It still finds recognition today as people flock to retailer stores and online shops to catch a pair.
- New technologies grace the Ultraboost 19. The upper unit uses Primeknit 360, an open-weave mesh that accommodates the natural movement capacity of the foot while never reducing supportiveness. An external heel frame is meant to hold the back of the foot, preventing it from wobbling. A Torsion Spring prevents midfoot destabilization while encouraging the foot to push forward with power.
- The Boost™ cushioning system is retained in this model as it’s the highlight of its functionality. The change is that the 2019 iteration has 20% more boost™ than the rest of the Ultraboost models ever released. Moreover, the one-piece opening and the seamless construction is retained, though the collar has a thinner profile while the tongue has no padding at all.
The Adidas Ultraboost 19 was constructed to have a true-to-size distinction. Models are available in full and half-size options, so runners are encouraged to get a pair using their usual sizing expectations. When it comes to width, the available options are D – Medium for men and B – Medium for women. This neutral shoe’s semi-curved shape mimics the natural curvature of the human foot.
The outsole unit of the Adidas Ultraboost 19 features Continental™ rubber, a compound that is typically used for car tires. This layer is designed to protect the rest of the underfoot platform from the abrasive nature of the asphalt. Moreover, it has a sticky construction that allows it to dole out traction during the activity.
Stretchweb is an outsole configuration that is made of multiple traction nodes that are connected by interstitial grooves. The purpose of the mildly protruding nubs is to heighten surface grip while the rubber-twined spaces encourage flexibility.
Boost™ is a full-length cushioning unit that’s made up of thousands of thermoplastic polyurethane pellets. These small pieces are fused together to make a cohesive underfoot platform on which the foot can stand. It has a bouncy yet impact-resistant structure; it even has a lightweight build that won’t hold the foot down.
An insole is placed right above the primary cushioning unit. This add-on keeps the foot comfortable as it has a smooth surface. It can be removed or replaced with a custom insert if the runner chooses to do so.
A Torsion Spring is placed in the middle portion of the platform. This thermoplastic layer is meant to steady the foot and prevent it from quivering while idle or when taking each step. Adidas has touted that this piece can also propel the foot forward with energy.
The upper unit of this Adidas running footwear is made using Primeknit 360. This textile has an interwoven construction that coherently interlocks vertical and horizontal strands, giving a clean look that is also breathable. Targeted security is given to the forefoot and midfoot sections as they have extra strands on them.
The silhouette has a one-piece opening that allows the wearer to experience a smooth and seamless wrap. A traditional tongue unit isn’t present so there won’t be any case of tongue deviation or material bunching, which may cause hot spots or irritation on the instep.
The collar has mild padding on it to support the ankles and the Achilles. The thin foam also helps in averting any accidental shoe removals.
The left and right sides of the midfoot have thin saddles that connect to the lacing system. These panels are tasked with helping the rest of the upper in holding the foot in place and preventing it from shaking during the run. The faint outlines of the three-stripe logos can be seen on these sheets.
A 3D heel frame is placed on the outer part of the shoe’s rear. This clearly visible addition holds the heel in place and prevents it from exiting the interior chamber unexpectedly. It extends to the midsole, covering it and strengthening its structural integrity.
Since the series’ inception in February of 2015, the Ultraboost has become one of the staple names in the world of running. People have bought and worn its various forms as the years went by, using it for both exercise and casual walks. The lightweight build of the Boost™-laden products continuously granted comfort during long walks or extended running sessions. For many, the ultimate blend of fashion and functionality was brought to life by Adidas and its industry-changing products.
Here are some of the well-known Ultraboost models that have been released:
Adidas Ultraboost
The original Ultraboost model saw a rise into prominence in 2015 because of its highly stylized design and its use of a unique cushioning system called the boost™. This addition to the neutral shoe category features a contemporary yet sporty façade that still holds up to today’s standards. The relatively new engineered mesh upper is featured in the OG Ultraboost. It is reinforced by an external heel cup that has the words ‘ultra boost’ emblazoned on it, as well as midfoot saddles that people mostly disliked. The full-length rubber coverage of the highly cushioned Boost™ platform was also given praise as it heightened durability while preserving flexibility.
Adidas Ultraboost Uncaged
People didn’t like the presence of the plastic saddle on the original Ultraboost model. Some of them even proceeded to remove the add-ons from their pairs. Adidas saw those reactions and made the ‘Uncaged’ version because of them. This model offers a few extra quality-of-life changes other than the removal of the midfoot cages, namely the integration of a stretchy one-piece opening similar to gartered socks and the use of discrete eyelets that are reinforced with fused overlays. People adored the ultra-minimalist design of the Ultra Boost Uncaged, with many of them considering it to be one of the modern classics.
Adidas Ultraboost ST
Runners who have overpronated foot motion are encouraged to purchase shoes that can correct their unusual stances. It’s imperative for consumers to perform with their anatomies as correctly aligned as possible. Thankfully, Adidas has a product that caters to those with flat arches: the Ultraboost ST. This model looks like the OG Ultraboost, and it even has its various parts and features. The significant difference is in the midsole, which sees a denser version of the boost™ foam being placed on the medial side of the platform. The purpose of the dual-density foam is to support the arch and neutralize the excessive inward rolling motion that’s associated with overpronation. Aside from the midsole, the upper also has a thin saddle system to hold the middle part of the foot (including the arch) in place, preventing it from shaking or destabilizing.
Adidas Ultraboost ATR
ATR literally means All-Terrain Runner, and the Ultraboost series has this distinction in one of its products, namely the Ultraboost ATR. This hybrid running shoe can function as both a road companion and an option for the trails. Its outsole has a trail-optimized tread-pattern with a generous helping of Continental™ rubber serving as the protective layer. Semi-aggressive gripping lugs offer improved grip over uneven terrains. The ATR outsole is also thicker than the usual configurations of other Ultraboost models, making it suitable for many types of topography. The upper has a sock-like closure system that involves a stretchy and encompassing collar, the signature external heel cup, and the minimalist outline that makes it look like a casual sneaker.
Adidas Ultraboost X
The Ultraboost X is a model that's designed with the foot-dimensions of women in mind. It still uses the signature sporty look that’s prevalent in many of Adidas’ flagship line. The unique aspect of this X version is the floating arch, which entails the midfoot unit being separated from the midsole. The visual effect is a space right above the Boost™ midsole. When it comes to functionality, the purpose of this design aspect is to allow the fabrics of the upper to completely encompass the arch of the foot, thus giving security and burrito-like coverage that lasts.
Brooks Ghost 11
The 11th version of the Ghost running shoe from Brooks offers stealthy support in a relatively lightweight package. It still features some of the brand’s most prominent technologies such as the BioMoGo DNA, yet it also has some space for new features like the DNA Loft shock-attenuating unit in the heel and an updated upper construction that involves fewer overlays. Though the profile of this road shoe is somewhat substantial, thanks to its generous midsole and a high-quality upper, it still permits the foot to move naturally and speedily.
Skechers GOrun 600
Stylish looks in a performance-ready package: that’s what many of Skechers’ fans are searching for in their running shoes. The GOrun 600 offers street-ready looks and a design that encourages effective steps. The upper unit this model is highly minimal in construction: it’s made of breathable mesh, printed overlays and interior padding. However, the midsole and outsole offer lithe yet springy steps, as well as responsible traction over the surfaces. The components don’t even have a substantial weight. Consumers could wear this shoe for extended periods if they wanted to.
Under Armour Charged Escape 2
Under Armour offers comfort and high-quality performance in a product that is cheaper than most options in the market. The Charged Escape 2 is one of the company’s most popular models. It utilizes a two-layer cushioning system that involves a solid heel piece and a soft forefoot unit to offer well-attenuated landings and enabled takeoffs. A knitted upper that is supported by the SpeedForm® form-fitting cover system provides both security and freedom of movement while inside the foot-chamber.
Nike Revolution 4
Nike doesn’t just dole out expensive running shoes that cater to hardcore sneakerheads and elite athletes. The brand also has a bevy of products that the neophyte runner can enjoy. One of these products is the Nike Revolution 4. This update to a fresh series of beginner-tier road footwear offers industry-standard components in a silhouette that can compete with today’s contemporary greats. The midsole is comprised of a full-length ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) unit, and it’s covered by a rubber exterior. Open-weave mesh and synthetic prints make up the upper, and they work in conjunction with the interior padding and lacing system to provide a snug, secure and highly customizable fit. Runners from all over consider this product to be a powerhouse in quality, price and the general thought that Nike can deliver a high-tier creation without slapping on an expensive price tag.